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General Curling FAQ
What is curling?
Curling is a game involving four-player teams, granite stones, brooms, and a sheet of ice. All players alternate sliding 16 stones towards a circular target area while their teammates sweep the ice and the skip shouts instructions. The score for each round, or "end", is based on whichever team's rock(s) is closest to the middle of the house at the end of the "end". Games are eight ends long and take about two hours to play, except Olympic-level games which are 10 ends. Learn more at our What is Curling? page.
Curling is a game involving four-player teams, granite stones, brooms, and a sheet of ice. All players alternate sliding 16 stones towards a circular target area while their teammates sweep the ice and the skip shouts instructions. The score for each round, or "end", is based on whichever team's rock(s) is closest to the middle of the house at the end of the "end". Games are eight ends long and take about two hours to play, except Olympic-level games which are 10 ends. Learn more at our What is Curling? page.
Are you a sweeper or a thrower?
Both! Everyone on the team throws two stones each end, and everyone sweeps when they aren't throwing!
Why do you sweep in front of the stones?
Sweeping makes the stones go straighter and further, which improves the accuracy of the shot.
Why all the yelling?
The skip needs to tell the sweepers whether or not to sweep while they are up to 130 feet away, and they have to make sure they're heard over all the other games going on at the same time. Plus, it's a commonly held belief that the louder the skips yell the harder their sweepers sweep!
How does scoring work?
Whichever team's stone is closest to the center of the target area scores, and they get one point for each stone closer than their opponent's closet stone. See the diagram below and the Scoring section of What is Curling? for more details.
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I've never curled before. Is it hard to do?
Curling is easy to play, but mastering it is harder than it looks! As such, it's one of the few sports where people of any age and gender can play competitively against each other. Most Virginians have only watched curling during the Winter Olympics, but we'll have you playing a game by the end of your first lesson.
Ready to Curl FAQ
I've read everything I can. How do I start playing?
Take one of our Learn2Curl classes - it’s the best way to get the hang of curling! You start with an overview of curling and off-ice instruction, followed by over an hour of on-ice practice led by our US Curling Association-qualified Instructors. Becoming a bona-fide curler is that simple! Click here to register for a Learn2Curl.
Where are you located?
We play at the Richmond Ice Zone off Midlothian Turnpike, south of the river in Richmond, Virginia.
What should I wear?
Dress warmly in clothing that doesn’t restrict your movement as you'll need to be able to squat and lunge comfortably - running pants/leggings are perfect, but avoid tight jeans. Shoes should be thick-soled and without heels - sneakers are great, but avoid dress shoes, boots, sandals, etc. The temperature in the arena will be in the mid-40s, so some may prefer to wear a hat and gloves as well. (Photo credit Brad Kutner)
Take one of our Learn2Curl classes - it’s the best way to get the hang of curling! You start with an overview of curling and off-ice instruction, followed by over an hour of on-ice practice led by our US Curling Association-qualified Instructors. Becoming a bona-fide curler is that simple! Click here to register for a Learn2Curl.
Where are you located?
We play at the Richmond Ice Zone off Midlothian Turnpike, south of the river in Richmond, Virginia.
What should I wear?
Dress warmly in clothing that doesn’t restrict your movement as you'll need to be able to squat and lunge comfortably - running pants/leggings are perfect, but avoid tight jeans. Shoes should be thick-soled and without heels - sneakers are great, but avoid dress shoes, boots, sandals, etc. The temperature in the arena will be in the mid-40s, so some may prefer to wear a hat and gloves as well. (Photo credit Brad Kutner)
You'll need to be able to squat...
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...and lunge comfortably.
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Stick Curling
Do I need my own equipment?
We have all the equipment you need! Wear the right clothing and shoes and you’re good to go!
Are there age or physical restrictions?
Curling is a sport for people of all ages and abilities, and we love for kids to try curling! Because it takes a certain amount of strength and coordination to slide the 42 pound stones down the ice, we prefer participants be at least 12 years old, but exceptions can be made.
We also welcome those who may not be as flexible as they once were to try “stick” curling with us, a method of curling for people with back or knee difficulties. If you have any questions about who can curl and how, please Email Us.
I took a Learn2Curl class and now I'm hooked! What's next?
It's time to join a league! We host semi-competitive leagues throughout the year, typically on Thursday and Saturday nights, with opportunities for additional instruction and competition. All teams are balanced with more experienced players who will help develop your skills and teach the intricacies of strategy. Once you're ready, join our members that travel to other clubs and compete in amateur tournaments, known as bonspiels.
What if I have more questions?
We would love to answer them for you! Email Us!